State expected to approve another $1.7 million to demolish New London high-rises
New London — The state Bond Commission on Friday is expected to approve $1.7 million in funding so the city can demolish the Thames River Apartments, the vacant high-rise development that for decades housed some of the city’s poorest families.
It brings the state’s contribution to $3.7 million, enough to cover the entire cost of the removal of hazardous material, demolition and cleanup of the 12-acre property on Crystal Avenue. The city has already chosen a contractor for the project, Stamford Wrecking Co., which started work earlier this month. The demolition is expected to begin in October.
Mayor Michael Passero, in a statement, said the city is indebted to state Reps. Anthony Nolan, D-New London, and Joe de la Cruz, D-Groton, for their work to obtain the funds. Passero also thanked the city’s grant writer Adriana Reyes.
“This project will have long term significant economic impact for our city as we prepare an important commercial/industrial site for re-development,” Passero said. “We are grateful to Governor Lamont for proposing this investment in New London’s future and for his confidence in New London’s future.”
Nolan, in a statement announcing the news, said Bond Commission members are aware of the rising value of the property and its importance to the city. The property has been tax exempt for about 50 years.
"The former housing complex was out of place in a largely commercial area and the City of New London will benefit by growing the grand list and keeping residential property taxes in check,” Nolan said. “Commercial development will grow our local economy with new job opportunities."
Thames River Apartments was a 124-unit federally subsidized complex managed by the New London Housing Authority and reserved for very low-income families. Through the years, the apartments were a constant source of complaints because of crime and deteriorating conditions.
Attorney Robert I. Reardon made the case in 2004 that the residents of Thames River Apartments were living in substandard, dangerous and uninhabitable conditions. He filed suit against the city and Housing Authority that led to a court-stipulated agreement in 2014 that mandated new homes for residents.
The city and Housing Authority teamed up to obtain federal housing vouchers for the residents to move out and into private housing. The last tenant moved out in 2018. The same year, the City Council, with a 4-3 vote, authorized the purchase of the property from the Housing Authority for $185,000.
Zoning has since changed from high-density residential to commercial and industrial use.
The state Bond Commission meets on Friday, and in addition to the New London funding, is set to vote on $50 million to the Connecticut Port Authority that will complete the funding for the $235 million redevelopment of State Pier in New London.
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